Nasal dilator

ABSTRACT

A nasal apparatus which is placed in a nostril in order to provide several respiratory benefits includes a nasal insert having a hub, a plurality of arched legs, and a lateral face. Each of the plurality of arched legs comprises a proximal end and a free end positioned opposite each other, wherein the proximal end is adjacently connected to the hub. The plurality of arched legs is positioned around the hub forming a nasal shell structure in the shape of an inner nasal surface of the nostril, wherein the nasal insert is flexible as to apply pressure to the inner nasal surface. The nasal apparatus may further include a bridge and a subsequent nasal insert, wherein the bridge is adjacently connected to both the nasal insert and the subsequent nasal insert, and is positioned in between the nasal insert and the subsequent nasal insert.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Ser.No. PCT/US2015/021787, filed Mar. 20, 2015, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/968,798, filed Mar. 21,2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a nasal apparatus whichimproves respiration by expanding the nasal airways and potentiallyproviding a filter to block irritating or harmful particles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Respiratory issues result from a number of conditions, ranging fromcomparatively simple ones like congestion to more difficult ones likesleep apnea. To address these concerns, a number of products have beendeveloped. Generally, these products are chemical based (e.g. sprays andmedicine) or structural based (dilators and filters); the presentinvention concerns itself with the latter grouping. Placed in a person'snostrils, such devices improve breathing by expanding the nasal airwaysand filtering out foreign bodies which normally irritate and agitate aperson's nose. The present invention improves upon these basicprinciples by providing an apparatus which can be used with or without afilter. The filter can be readily incorporated into the design viainsert-molding, adhesive, or welding (thermal or ultrasonic).Furthermore, the apparatus is adaptable to different nostril sizesunlike many existing products which must be sold in different sizes toaccommodate individual differences.

The present invention has an anatomic design influenced by 3Dmorphology. Existing products are simple geometries or only based on the2D profile of the nasal opening, and are often closed profile whichlimits their ability to conform to a wide range of nostril sizes. Thepresent invention is modeled on the 3D surfaces of the nasal geometryand incorporates features for maintaining a comfortable fit for a widerange of size variation from one user to the next. The current drawingsshow a device suitable for Type I & II nostril types, and alternateorientations of the device can be manufactured with proportions suitablefor Type III & V, for Type VI & VII, and for Type IV.

Greater range of nostril size variation within a Type set, for exampleset I & II, is achieved by incorporating individual arms which allowflexibility in key anatomic locations. The length of the arms and thenature of the open profile design allow the device to conform to theindividual user's nostril. The profile cross section of the arm(generally oval shaped) is designed to allow bending along its thindimension, while maintaining a relatively larger area of contact in itslong dimension. The larger area of contact, thin bending profile, andlong beam length reduce the pressure applied by the device when insertedinto a relatively smaller nostril.

The profile is anatomically influenced, and has three arms. They mergeon the medial side of the nostril and form the largest contact area atthe septal cartilage, which is relatively planar. One arm extends in theanterior direction, following the structure of the majar alar cartilage.A second arm extends in the posterior direction and follows thecurvature of the alar fibrofatty tissue structure. A third arm extendssuperior and arcs around to an inferior orientation, terminating nearthe posterior portion of the majar alar cartilage. The three arms serveto dilate the nasal cavity by acting on these structures. Theflexibility of the device within and between each arm is primarily inthe medial/lateral direction, and secondarily in the anterior/posteriordirection. While one configuration of the present invention is describedwith three arms, a fourth arm may also be included for additionallocational stability

The present invention acts to reduce respiratory exposure to viruses,allergens, germs, flu's, colds, bacteria, molds, dust, pet dander,pollen, pollutants, contaminants, second hand smoke, carcinogens, andother airborne contaminants. The present invention also acts to improvesleeping by increasing nasal airflow and mitigating or eliminatingsnoring, headaches, and nausea. An additional benefit of the presentinvention is increased oxygen intake and nitric oxide production,desirable to persons who want to enhance their athletic performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insert of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an insert of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a right view of an insert of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an insert of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative insert configuration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative insert configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a right view of an alternative insert configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative insert configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a compression process of the insert oncepositioned in the nostril.

FIG. 10 is a right view showing a compression process of the insert oncepositioned in the nostril.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a compression process of the insert oncepositioned in the nostril.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a pair of inserts attached by abridge of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a filter attached to the insert ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view showing a filter attached to theinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view showing a filter attached to theinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view showing a filter attached to the insert of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view indicating how a bridge would attach twoinserts, including filters, of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the insertof the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinsert of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the insert of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 is a left view of an alternative embodiment of the insert of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the insert ofthe present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the insert of thepresent invention.

FIG. 24 is a right view of an alternative embodiment of the insert ofthe present invention.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the insert ofthe present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the insertand filter of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theinsert and filter of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention having an anatomic design influenced by 3D morphology.

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of the alternative embodiment havingan anatomic design.

FIG. 30 is a rear elevational view of the alternative embodiment havingan anatomic design.

FIG. 31 is a right side elevational view of the alternative embodimenthaving an anatomic design.

FIG. 32 is a left side elevational view of the alternative embodimenthaving an anatomic design.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design.

FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design being positioned within a nostril and having a bridge.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design being positioned within nostrils wherein the nasalinsert is connected to a subsequent nasal insert by the bridge.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design, wherein a filter is connected to the nasal insert.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment havingan anatomic design, wherein an additional leg is attached to the hub.

FIG. 39 is a right side view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design and an additional leg.

FIG. 40 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design and an additional leg.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the yet another alternative embodimenthaving an anatomic design, wherein the arched legs spiral.

FIG. 42 is a front view of the alternative embodiment having an anatomicdesign, wherein the arched legs spiral.

FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment having ananatomic design, wherein the arched legs spiral.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a nasal apparatus which is placed in thenostril in order to provide several respiratory benefits. An insert ofthe present invention comprises a hub and a plurality of arched legs,with the plurality of arched legs being connected around the hub. Theplurality of arched legs, in combination with the hub, give the presentinvention an elliptical dome-shaped appearance. Each of the plurality ofarched legs comprises a free end. When inserted into a nostril, the freeend of each of the plurality of arched legs presses against the interiorsurface. A resulting opposing force pushes the connected hub in theopposite direction, causing the nostril to expand due to the forces ofthe plurality of arched legs and the hub. This configuration andresulting nostril expansion is a core aspect of the present invention,as the increased airway enhances breathing and mitigates related issuessuch as snoring. The insert, with and without filter, is illustrated inFIG. 1-FIG. 17.

Greater range of nostril size variation within a Type set, for exampleset I & II, is achieved by incorporating the plurality of arched legswhich allow flexibility in key anatomic locations. The length of theeach of the plurality of arched legs and the nature of the open profiledesign allow the device to conform to the individual user's nostril. Theprofile cross section of each leg (generally oval shaped) is designed toallow bending along its thin dimension, while maintaining a relativelylarger area of contact in its long dimension. The larger area ofcontact, thin bending profile, and long beam length reduce the pressureapplied by the device when inserted into a relatively smaller nostril.

The free end of each of the plurality of arched legs comprises a foot.The foot is preferably arc shaped in a way that forms a radial perimeterto the hub, as shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 4. The foot provides a greatersurface area which can disperse pressure across with the nostrilinterior and thus provide a more comfortable experience for a user.Preferably, also in the interest of ergonomics, the edge of each foot issmooth and rounded.

In the preferred embodiment the plurality of arched legs comprises afirst leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg each of which areflexible bars that are radially positioned around the hub. The legs areequally spaced around the hub such that each that the free end of anygiven leg is separated by an imaginary 90 degree arc of an imaginarycircle, the center of which is positioned on the hub and the perimeterof which intersects each free end.

The configuration of the present invention is designed to orient onepair of legs along an axis running from the apex of the nose to the backof the nose and a second pair of legs along a perpendicular medial axis.The first leg and the third leg are positioned opposite each otheraround the hub, forming the first pair of legs which is oriented intothe nostril beginning at the apex of the nose. The second leg and thefourth leg are similarly positioned opposite each other around the hub,forming the second pair of legs which is oriented along the medial axis.The first leg and second leg are coplanar to their respectively pairedthird leg and fourth leg. Conversely, the first pair of legs is situatedon a plane which is perpendicular to a plane upon which the second pairof legs is situated.

The geometric shape of the legs themselves can vary with differentembodiments, examples of which are provided in FIG. 1-FIG. 4 and FIG.5-FIG. 8. While FIG. 1-FIG. 4 depict a regular embodiment with asimple-cross based pattern of legs (seen as such when viewed along theaxis of the hub), FIG. 5-FIG. 8 and FIG. 41-FIG. 43 show how a spiralpattern of legs can be used instead. It is noted that in bothembodiments the free ends of the legs are still positioned in a circularpattern with equal arcs separating each free end; this essentiallymaintains the orientations of each pair of legs as described with thepreferred embodiment.

The spiral embodiment comprises a hole traversing through the central ofthe hub, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 8. This spiral embodiment hasseveral advantages and disadvantages compared to the cross basedpattern. The primary advantages of the spiral embodiment are that thespiral embodiment is easier to place and that the central hole allowsfor greater airflow. However, the spiral embodiment is also bulkier andtakes up more room than an embodiment utilizing the cross based pattern.

The free end of the first leg, which is positioned adjacent to thenostril opening when in use, comprises a tab. This tab, an elongatedsection of the foot, is perpendicular to the arc of the correspondingfoot and oriented along the same apex-rear axis as the first pair oflegs. This tab provides an easily accessed handle that allows a user topull the present invention out of the nostril for removal. When thepresent invention is properly inserted into a nostril, the tab issimilarly positioned within the nostril and out of sight of otherpersons.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the foot of the secondleg, the third leg, and the fourth leg is molded at an angle. As aresult, each foot comprises a lateral face which presses against thenasal walls (rather than the nasal floor as with the preferredembodiment). The tab of the first leg replaces the foot, beingconfigured as a round ball tip. This alternative embodiment provides analternative configuration that improves ergonomics and usability whilestill being able to provide the same functions and benefits of the firstdescribed embodiment. Due to these improvements, the alternativeembodiment is considered more suitable for mass production and retail.Illustrations of this alternative embodiment are provided in FIG.18-FIG. 27.

In reference to FIG. 28-34, in another embodiment of the presentinvention, the profile of the present invention is anatomicallyinfluenced, and has three legs. They merge on the medial side of thenostril and form the largest contact area at the septal cartilage, whichis relatively planar. One leg extends in the anterior direction,following the structure of the majar alar cartilage. A second legextends in the posterior direction and follows the curvature of the alarfibrofatty tissue structure. A third leg extends superior and arcsaround to an inferior orientation, terminating near the posteriorportion of the majar alar cartilage. The three legs serve to dilate thenasal cavity by acting on these structures. The flexibility of thedevice within and between each leg is primarily in the medial/lateraldirection, and secondarily in the anterior/posterior direction. Inreference to FIG. 38-40, a fourth leg may also be included foradditional locational stability.

The nasal apparatus as heretofore described is provided for a singlenostril. Preferably, the present invention is distributed in pairs, withan insert provided for each nostril. These pairs can be completelyindependent from each other such that they may easily be inserted orremoved individually. Alternatively, a left nostril insert and a rightnostril insert can be connected by a bridge which is connected to eachnostril at the tab of the first leg. The bridge is a thin strip ofmaterial which rests against the columella of the nose; this positioningminimizes exposure of the bridge and places it such that it is mostlyobscured and unassuming without directed observation. The intention isfor the bridge to be essentially hidden such that it may be wornthroughout the day without attracted undesired attention to a user. Thevisibility of the flexible bridge can be further reduced or eliminatedin various ways. One non-limiting example is using a translucent ortransparent material for the bridge construction. Other ways of hidingor obscuring the bridge, when included, can be utilized in otherembodiments. To provide more flexibility to a user of the presentinvention, the bridge can be removably attached to each insert; thisallows a user the choice of using the bridge for better structure orremoving the bridge for better aesthetics or comfort. A user can evenalter between using the bridge and not as their personal preferences orsituational circumstances change. Depictions of the bridge are providedin FIG. 12, FIG. 17, and FIG. 35-36.

In addition to the insert, the present invention may further comprise aseparate attachable filter piece. The filter can be readily incorporatedinto the design via insert-molding, adhesive, or welding (thermal orultrasonic). If adapted for user with a filter, the insert furthercomprises a rim that intersects the free end of each leg and ispositioned around the center of the insert. The rim is preferablyelliptical in shape to match the three-dimensional shape of the insert.This rim acts as a rim-mounting surface, preferably made of a siliconematerial to help retain an attached filter. Expanding upon the improvedrespiratory benefits, the attachable filter is provided to mitigateallergens, dust particles, and other foreign bodies which might agitateor disrupt a person's nasal airways and breathing. The filter is shapedto fit over the insert, sharing the same general dome shape. The apex ofthe filter is positioned atop the center of the hub while the perimeterof the filter is positioned around the plurality of legs, adjacent toeach free end of the legs. Preferably, the perimeter of the filtercomprises an adhesive coating to help secure the filter to the rim ofthe insert. Several views of the filter are provided in FIG. 13-FIG. 17and FIG. 37. The filter is attached to the insert through molding, inwhich an injection mold of the insert body is created around the insert.The insert body is permeated in several sections to allow for a secureattachment of the filter via adhesive insert molding. The attachmentprocess can utilize a variety of methods, such as ultrasonic welding orhot joining, to complete the attachment of the filter to the insert.

To use the present invention, a user places a nasal insert in eachnostril such that the first leg and associated tab are positionedadjacent to the nostril opening, the hub of the insert is positionedadjacent to the roof of the nostril, and the feet of the insert arepositioned on the floor of the nostril. Once placed inside the nostril,the insert presses against the interior nostril surfaces such that theairways is expanded. To conform the insert to the nostril, a user canpress on the exterior of their nose, causing the insert to take a shapematching the nostril interior. The applied force acting upon the insert(via the nostril wall) causes the insert to flatten and compress,enabled by its elastic and flexible construction. This allows the insertto better adapt to the interior of the nose while still increasingexpanding the airway. Furthermore, in an embodiment which includes thefilter, the combination of the filter and insert create a seal withrespect to the nasal cavity, which prevents the flow of air fromcircumventing the filter.

The elastic and flexible construction of the insert are especiallybeneficial as they allow for a better range of fits with a single modelsize. There are a wide variety of individual characteristics which meanthat what one person considers a good or comfortable fit may be poorlysuited to another. Such differences are not limited across people, as aperson's features are not perfectly symmetrical and their individualleft and right nostrils can vary in size. Correct sizing is importantwith regards to nostrils, as devices which are too big are veryuncomfortable while devices which are too small are not secure and lesseffective. The present invention overcomes these limitations, as theinsert compresses and flexes to conform to a user's individual nostril.As a result, the present invention is adaptable to individual variationsin nostril size and shape, providing a “one size fits all” solution. Thecompression of the present invention is depicted from several views inFIG. 9-FIG. 11.

The compressive forces applied to the insert by the nose and theplurality of legs help keep the inserts inside the nostril duringregular everyday activities. The present invention is, minus the bridgewhen used, internally secured and not visible in normal situations. Whena user wishes to remove the inserts and filters, such as for removal orreplacement, they can simply apply pressure to the tip of the nose.Pressure should be applied in an upward direction and in a directionopposite of the nostril the insert is being removed from. Thus, toremove an insert from the left nostril pressure is applied upwards andthe tip of the nose is moved to the right, while to remove an insertfrom the right nostril the tip of the nose is instead moved to the left.This results in further compression of the insert, which assumes aflatter shape. As the insert flattens, the tab which is normallypositioned adjacent to the nostril opening is moved out of the nostril,providing an easily gripped handle. This exposed tab makes it simple fora user to grasp and remove the insert.

The filter and the inserts are preferably made in dark colors which donot contrast the interior of the nose and thus are effectively invisibleto outside viewpoints. It is noted that when the present invention bothutilizes a bridge and is made from a single mold, the bride and theinserts must be made from the same material; in this scenario the bridgeand inserts are made of a transparent or translucent material to betterhide the bridge. This is comparison to a bridgeless embodiment in whichthe inserts are made in a dark color. The filter itself can vary inseveral aspects, the most notable of which is the fineness of thefiltering medium. In a preferred embodiment the filter prevents passageof particles that large than 0.1 microns and smaller than 100 microns insize. This range has been selected as filters which are finer than atenth of a micron may inhibit airflow and breathing, while a filter thatallows passage to particles larger than one hundred microns may proveineffective against a number of potential allergens and other irritatingforeign bodies.

Ideally, the filter prevents passage of harmful or irritating particlesincluding but not limited to bacteria, viruses, pathogens, allergens,dust, pollen, pollutants, toxins, carcinogens, and airborne particlescapable of causing disease.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A nasal apparatus comprises: a nasal insert; the nasal insertcomprises a bridge, a plurality of arched legs, and a lateral face; eachof the plurality of arched legs comprises a proximal end and a free end;the proximal end and the distal end being positioned opposite eachother; the free end of each of the plurality of arched legs comprises afoot; the proximal end of each of the plurality of arched legs beingadjacently connected to the bridge, wherein the free end is disjointedfrom the bridge; wherein the lateral face is positioned against an innernasal surface of a nostril when the nasal insert is positioned into thenostril; and the nasal insert being flexible, wherein the nasal insertapplies pressure to the inner nasal surface of a nostril when the nasalinsert is positioned within the nostril.
 2. The nasal apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein: the foot of each of the plurality of archedlegs is arc-shaped, and wherein the plurality of arched legs defines aradial perimeter.
 3. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1comprises: the plurality of arched legs being evenly distributed aroundthe bridge.
 4. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: theplurality of arched legs comprises a first leg, a second leg, a thirdleg, and a fourth leg; the first leg and the third leg being positionedopposite each other; and the second leg and the fourth leg beingpositioned opposite each other.
 5. The nasal apparatus as claimed inclaim 4 comprises: the first leg and the third leg forming a pair oflegs along an axis running from an apex of the nostril to a back of thenostril; the second leg and the fourth leg forming a second pair of legsalong a medial axis; and the axis from the apex to the back beingperpendicular to the medial axis.
 6. The nasal apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the plurality of arched legs is arranged in a crossbased pattern.
 7. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein theplurality of arched legs is arranged in a spiral pattern.
 8. The nasalapparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a hole; and the holecentrally traversing through the bridge.
 9. The nasal apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 comprises: the free end of the first leg comprises atab; and the tab being perpendicular to an arc of the foot of the firstleg.
 10. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprises: the tabbeing oriented along an axis running from an apex of the nostril to aback of the nostril.
 11. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein each foot comprises the lateral face, the lateral face beingadapted to press against the inner nasal surface of the nostril;optionally, wherein the foot is molded at an angle.
 12. The nasalapparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the foot of the first legbeing configured as a round ball tip; and the foot of the second leg,the third leg, and the fourth leg being molded at an angle to form thelateral face, wherein the lateral face presses against the inner nasalsurface.
 13. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: theplurality of arched legs comprises a first leg, a second leg, and athird leg; the first leg extending in an anterior direction, wherein thefirst leg follows a structure of a majar alar cartilage of the nostril;the second leg extending in a posterior direction, wherein the secondleg follows a curvature of an alar fibrofatty tissue structure; and thethird leg extending in a superior direction, wherein the third leg arcsaround to an inferior orientation, terminating near a posterior portionof the majar alar cartilage.
 14. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim1 comprises: a subsequent nasal insert; a bridge; and the subsequentnasal insert being connected to the nasal insert via the bridge.
 15. Thenasal apparatus as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the bridge beingremovably attached to both the nasal insert and the subsequent nasalinsert.
 16. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: afilter; the filter being attached to the nasal insert; and a perimeterof the filter being positioned around the plurality of arched legs,adjacent to the free end of each of the plurality of arched legs. 17.The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a filterand wherein the filter is attached to the insert through molding, inwhich an injection mold of the insert body is created around the insert.18. The nasal apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprises: the nasalinsert further comprises a rim; the filter comprises an adhesivecoating; the rim intersecting the free end of each of the plurality ofarched legs; and the filter being secured to the rim via the adhesivecoating.
 19. A nasal apparatus comprises: a nasal insert; the nasalinsert comprises a hub, a plurality of arched legs, and a lateral face;each of the plurality of arched legs comprises a proximal end and a freeend; the proximal end and the distal end being positioned opposite eachother; the free end of each of the plurality of arched legs comprises afoot; the proximal end of each of the plurality of arched legs beingadjacently connected to the hub, wherein the free end is disjointed fromthe hub; the plurality of arched legs being positioned around the hub;the lateral face being positioned about the hub and the plurality ofarched legs, wherein the lateral face is positioned against an innernasal surface of a nostril when the nasal insert is positioned into thenostril; the nasal insert being flexible, wherein the nasal insertapplies pressure to the inner nasal surface when the nasal insert ispositioned within the nostril.